24317, Cana, Virginia Lung Cancer Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 24317, Cana, Virginia is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Lung Cancer Care in Southwest Virginia: A Hospital Scorecard Near 24317**

The quest for optimal lung cancer care is a critical undertaking, demanding access to experienced specialists, advanced technology, and a supportive environment. For residents near ZIP code 24317 (which encompasses the town of Bland, Virginia, and surrounding areas), the options for lung cancer treatment are geographically limited, but understanding the available resources is paramount. This review analyzes the hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities.

**Understanding the Landscape: Proximity and Scope**

The immediate vicinity of Bland County offers few major medical centers. Residents typically seek care in neighboring counties or travel to larger cities for specialized treatment. This geographic reality shapes the choices for lung cancer patients, requiring careful consideration of travel time and the specific services offered at each facility. The focus will be on hospitals within a 1-2 hour radius, acknowledging the practical limitations faced by patients in this rural region.

**Key Considerations for Lung Cancer Patients**

Several factors are critical when evaluating hospitals for lung cancer care. These include:

* **Expertise and Specialization:** The presence of board-certified pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists is essential.
* **Diagnostic Capabilities:** Access to advanced imaging technology, such as PET/CT scans, and minimally invasive biopsy techniques is crucial for accurate diagnosis and staging.
* **Treatment Options:** Availability of a comprehensive range of treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy, is vital.
* **Support Services:** Access to support services, such as oncology nurses, social workers, and support groups, can significantly improve the patient experience.
* **Patient Outcomes:** While difficult to ascertain precisely at a local level, hospitals with a track record of positive patient outcomes are preferred.
* **Technology and Innovation:** The adoption of advanced technologies, such as robotic surgery and stereotactic radiation therapy, can enhance treatment precision and minimize side effects.
* **Accessibility and Convenience:** Factors like travel time, appointment availability, and telehealth options can significantly impact patient access to care.

**Hospital Profiles and Analysis**

**1. Carilion New River Valley Medical Center (Christiansburg, VA)**

Located approximately 45 minutes from Bland, Carilion New River Valley Medical Center (NRVMC) serves as a primary healthcare provider for the region. While not a flagship cancer center, NRVMC offers services relevant to lung cancer care.

* **CMS Star Rating:** NRVMC holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects overall hospital quality, based on various metrics, including patient experience, safety, and efficiency.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at NRVMC can fluctuate, but generally, patients can expect to wait around 1-2 hours. This is based on publicly available data.
* **Specialty Centers:** NRVMC has a cancer program that provides some oncology services. However, it is not a comprehensive cancer center. Patients may need to be referred to other facilities for advanced treatments.
* **Telehealth:** Carilion Clinic, the parent organization of NRVMC, has expanded its telehealth offerings, including oncology consultations. This can be beneficial for follow-up appointments and consultations.
* **Lung Cancer Services:** NRVMC offers diagnostic imaging, including CT scans, and may provide chemotherapy. Surgical and radiation oncology services are typically referred to other Carilion facilities or other regional hospitals.
* **Considerations:** NRVMC is a convenient option for initial diagnosis and some treatment. However, patients may need to travel for more specialized care.

**2. LewisGale Medical Center (Salem, VA)**

Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Bland, LewisGale Medical Center in Salem, VA, offers a broader range of services.

* **CMS Star Rating:** LewisGale has a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at LewisGale are variable, but typically range from 1-2 hours.
* **Specialty Centers:** LewisGale has a cancer center that offers comprehensive cancer care, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology.
* **Telehealth:** LewisGale has telehealth capabilities, including oncology consultations, to improve patient access to care.
* **Lung Cancer Services:** LewisGale offers a full range of lung cancer services, including diagnostic imaging, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology. They have a dedicated team of pulmonologists, medical oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and radiation oncologists.
* **Considerations:** LewisGale is a more comprehensive option than NRVMC, offering a wider range of treatment options. The slightly longer travel time is a factor.

**3. Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital (Roanoke, VA)**

Located approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Bland, Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital (CRM) is the flagship hospital of the Carilion Clinic system and a regional referral center.

* **CMS Star Rating:** CRM holds a 4-star rating from CMS, reflecting a higher level of quality compared to NRVMC and LewisGale.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at CRM can be longer, often exceeding 2 hours, due to its status as a regional referral center.
* **Specialty Centers:** CRM has a comprehensive cancer center, the Carilion Cancer Center, offering a full spectrum of lung cancer services. This includes advanced imaging, surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and access to clinical trials.
* **Telehealth:** Carilion Clinic has a robust telehealth program, including oncology consultations, allowing for remote access to specialists.
* **Lung Cancer Services:** CRM offers the most comprehensive lung cancer services in the region, including advanced diagnostic capabilities, minimally invasive surgical techniques, advanced radiation therapy, and access to cutting-edge treatments, including clinical trials.
* **Considerations:** CRM is the preferred option for complex cases and patients seeking access to the most advanced treatments and clinical trials. The longer travel time and potentially longer ER wait times are factors to consider.

**4. Johnston Memorial Hospital (Abingdon, VA)**

Johnston Memorial Hospital is located approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Bland.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Johnston Memorial Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Johnston Memorial Hospital are typically shorter than at larger hospitals, around 1-1.5 hours.
* **Specialty Centers:** Johnston Memorial Hospital has a cancer center that offers a range of oncology services.
* **Telehealth:** Johnston Memorial Hospital offers telehealth services, including oncology consultations.
* **Lung Cancer Services:** Johnston Memorial Hospital offers diagnostic imaging, chemotherapy, and some radiation therapy services. Surgical oncology services are typically referred to other facilities.
* **Considerations:** Johnston Memorial Hospital is a convenient option for some patients, but may not offer the full range of services available at other hospitals.

**5. Ballad Health Hospitals (Various Locations)**

Ballad Health operates a network of hospitals in the region, including Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, TN (approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes from Bland) and Bristol Regional Medical Center in Bristol, TN (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Bland).

* **CMS Star Ratings:** Ballad Health hospitals have varying CMS star ratings.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times vary depending on the specific hospital.
* **Specialty Centers:** Ballad Health has cancer centers at several locations, offering a range of oncology services.
* **Telehealth:** Ballad Health offers telehealth services, including oncology consultations.
* **Lung Cancer Services:** Ballad Health hospitals offer diagnostic imaging, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology.
* **Considerations:** Ballad Health hospitals offer a network of care options, and patients should research the specific services and specialists available at each location.

**Telehealth: A Growing Resource**

Telehealth has become an increasingly important tool for cancer patients, particularly in rural areas. All the hospitals mentioned offer some level of telehealth services, including virtual consultations with oncologists, follow-up appointments, and access to educational resources. This can reduce the need for frequent travel and improve access to care. However, it is essential to confirm the specific telehealth services offered by each hospital and the availability of specialists.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Choices**

For residents near ZIP code 24317, the optimal choice for lung cancer care depends on individual needs and circumstances. Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, with its comprehensive cancer center and access to advanced treatments, is generally the preferred option for complex cases. LewisGale Medical Center offers a good balance of services and convenience. Carilion New River Valley Medical Center and Johnston Memorial Hospital may be suitable for initial diagnosis and some treatment, but patients may need to travel for more specialized care. Ballad Health hospitals offer a network of care options. Telehealth can be a valuable tool for improving access to care. Patients should carefully consider the factors discussed above, consult with their primary care physician, and seek referrals to specialists to determine the best course of action. The journey through lung cancer treatment is complex, and choosing the right healthcare team is a crucial first step.